---
title: "Getting Started"
description: "Flows is currently in preview and can be enabled by request. It is scheduled for general availability in all accounts by the end of June, 2025."
url: "https://www.contentstack.com/docs/lytics/flows-getting-started"
product: "Contentstack"
doc_type: "guide"
audience:
  - developers
  - admins
version: "current"
last_updated: "2026-11-05"
---

# Getting Started

### Access and Availability

#### Current Status

Flows is currently in **preview** and can be enabled by request. It is scheduled for general availability in all accounts by the end of June, 2025.

#### Requesting Access

To enable Flows for your account, simply contact your Lytics team representative and request access to the feature.

Once enabled, you'll see the Flows tab in your left sidebar under "Using Profiles".

### Once enabled, where can I find flows?

1.  Log into your Lytics account
    
2.  Look for the **Flows** tab in the left sidebar under "Using Profiles"
    
3.  Click to access the Flows dashboard
    
    ![](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2d43f51baca745a8/am8c92f8b040b44d7b/5229819ba4ecd93179fe71ed/06dd97e7535def6c4b2f89712ff4336f6e88a7f9c30c783effcc5787333c1db4-image.png)
    
    #### Flows Dashboard
    

The main dashboard displays:

*   **List of existing flows** with status indicators
    
*   **Create New** button to start building flows from the ground up or from an existing template
    
    ![](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2d43f51baca745a8/am28af8d2c97856681/59fd2026b45a8391fcf0b365/b975703ca326908b8c4b336e04756bdd168e2285ceea5b58fe560d8c10d13a97-image.png)
    

### Interface Overview

#### Flow Canvas

![](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2d43f51baca745a8/am423fa065ddfde83d/eff2c3a8d1cf3fd7a7277c7a/60f617d5577a039b7172c9fa7cbf1932d37a8580f23d07f75efe13bd1ddffa95-image.png)

  

The Flow canvas is your primary workspace for building and managing flows. Key elements include:

##### Controls

*   **Version selector**: Switch between different versions of your flow
*   **Step compress toggle**: Collapse/expand the interface for more workspace
*   **Action menu**: Access publish, save, and management options
*   **Flow status indicator**: Shows current state (Draft/Running/Draining)

##### Canvas

*   **Steps**: Visual representation of your workflow
*   **Edges**: Show user connection between steps
*   **Flow metrics**: Show a snaphot of entries and exits for your flow
*   **Step metrics**: Display interaction information across each individual step

##### Drawer

*   **Step configuration**: Detailed settings for selected steps
*   **Audience builder**: Configure trigger conditions
*   **Export settings**: Set up channel integrations

### Creating Your First Flow

#### Option 1: Use a Template

1.  Click **Create New** from the dashboard
2.  Browse available templates at the bottom
3.  Select a template (e.g., "Welcome Series")
4.  Review the template description
5.  Name your flow
6.  Click to create and customize

#### Option 2: Build from Scratch

1.  Click **Create New** from the dashboard
2.  Select **Build Your Own**
3.  Enter a name for your flow
4.  Click **Create** to open the blank canvas

#### Understanding the Trigger Step

Every flow starts with a **Trigger Step** that defines entry conditions:

*   This step cannot be deleted
    
*   It determines when users enter your flow
    
*   It's always connected to an audience
    
    ![](https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt2d43f51baca745a8/am4c2587d217fa10a0/e83ef0a282ab802d6298c9c6/977b8534dbe8c3cd1b312391c5413faf9e388be164089508b04cb4c55d58e395-image.png)
    

### Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics:

1.  Continue to [Creating Your First Flow](/docs/lytics/flows-creation) for a detailed walkthrough
2.  Learn about [Flow Steps](/docs/lytics/flows-managing-steps) to understand all available components
3.  Explore [Templates](/docs/lytics/flows-templates) for pre-built solutions

### Troubleshooting

#### Common Issues

**"I don't see the Flows tab"**

*   Ensure Flows is enabled for your account
*   Contact your Lytics team for access

**"My flows aren't showing users"**

*   Check that your trigger audience has members
*   Verify your flow is published and running
*   Metrics update every 24 hours, not in real-time

**"I can't edit my running flow"**

*   Running flows are locked to prevent disruption
*   Create a new version to make changes
*   See [Publishing and Managing Flows](/docs/lytics/flows-publishing) for details